The towns of England are famed for their generic mediocrity; the same shops the same bars, wherever you look. So it is very refreshing to find somewhere with a bit of character and some style. The Oakford Social Club borrows ideas from the gentleman’s club – an institution where rich men would gather to eat, drink, and be merry. Thankfully all the toxic elements of such a social establishment have not been duplicated at the Oakford, which juxtaposes the old style with more modern flavours. The result is a bar which caters for everyone: a seating area for those that want to fill themselves up with fare from the very reasonable menu; an area to lounge on leather seats amongst wonderful lampshades and next to the prominent fireplace (the tv nestled inside suggesting that neither are functional); a mini-stage welcomes frequent local bands; a small but nicely created outdoor space can be found out the back for those summer evenings.

Stretching along the bar is a great selection of beers on tap, including crowd pleasers such as Leffe and Früli. Those more into their wines shouldn’t be disappointed either with ample to choose from. Prices are Londonesque, which is a bit frustrating, but this bar wouldn’t be too out of place in some cool spot of the capital. The staff and manager are friendly and helpful; I got a great rendition of the Muppet’s theme when getting my round in.

The Oakford: there is life outside of London.

4 / 5

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